The thing about word count…

One of the most basic things I didn't realize when I started writing was how to deal with / convert the word count of my manuscript.  In the past week, I've gotten a few questions about it (I'm assuming because NaNo is full force) so I figured I'd answer it here.

I understand it can differ for ePubs, because they use actual computer count, so you can check Word or whatever program you use and get your actual word count there.  Easy enough.  So if the publisher says they want manuscripts of...